South Africa Mining Logistics: Private Train Operators Boost Rail Capacity and Reduce Export Bottlenecks South Africa’s mining logistics reforms are “moving in the right direction,” according to Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, who emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector is starting to yield tangible results, albeit at a slower pace than some stakeholders would prefer. Speaking at the Africa Down Under conference in Perth on
Author: Constance Makungu
South African Exporters Stay Resilient Amid Rising US Tariffs
South African Exporters Defy Rising US Tariffs, Maintain Shipments Despite Uncertainty Over Trump-Era Duties South African exporters to the United States are pressing ahead with shipments despite a 30% increase in duties since August 7, showing resilience in the face of tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policy. The development comes as the US Federal Appeals Court ruled last weekend that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency
South Africa Opens Rail to Private Operators
Private Train Operators Approved on 41 Routes: Rail Reform Set to Boost Jobs, Exports, and Efficiency The Department of Transport’s decision to grant 11 private train operators access to 41 rail routes is expected to strengthen competition, safeguard jobs, and revive South Africa’s struggling freight logistics system, according to Business Unity South Africa (Busa). Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the milestone last Friday, calling it a critical step in the
Türkiye Blocks Israeli-Linked Ships as Trade Becomes a Geopolitical Weapon
Türkiye Bans Israeli-Linked Vessels Amid Gaza Conflict, Highlighting Global Maritime Geopolitics The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has barred vessels with links to Israel from docking at Türkiye’s ports, marking a significant escalation in Ankara’s opposition to the war in Gaza. The restrictions, effective from August 21, apply to ships owned, managed, or operated by entities connected to Israel, as well as vessels calling at or departing from Israeli
Global Containership Orderbook Hits 15-Year High Amid Red Sea Risks
Maritime Experts Warn of Containership Overcapacity as Red Sea Tensions Drive Record Ship Orders Maritime industry experts are raising concerns over a potential capacity imbalance as the global containership orderbook reaches its highest level in 15 years. The surge in orders is largely driven by risk pressures in the Red Sea and the need for longer Europe-Asia rotations via bypass routes around the Cape of Good Hope. The unprecedented volume
Zambia Plans Local Shipbuilding to Cut Marine Transport Costs
Zambia Explores Local Shipbuilding and Harbour Expansion to Boost Marine Transport Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has revealed that the Zambian government is exploring ways to attract investors to build ships locally as part of a strategy to reduce the cost of marine transport. Speaking during a working visit to Mpulungu District in Northern Province on Thursday, Minister Tayali inspected facilities at Mpulungu Port, operated by Mpulungu Harbour
$70 Million Preparatory Work Underway for Kalemie Industrial Port to Boost DRC-Tanzania Trade
Kalemie Industrial Port Expansion Begins: $70M Project to Enhance DRC-Tanzania Trade Links Preparatory work has commenced on the future industrial port of Kalemie, a $70 million project aimed at strengthening trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. The project is being led by the consortium Jintai Mining PTE Ltd and Tembo Majengo Company SARL, which signed a contract with Kinshasa in April. The consortium has begun establishing
Zambia Positioned as Key Player in Africa’s Rail Expansion
Zambia Key to Africa’s Rail Growth: South Africa Highlights TAZARA and Regional Corridors South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has highlighted Zambia’s pivotal role in Africa’s rail transformation, emphasizing the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and other regional corridors as essential drivers of trade and economic growth. Speaking at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) International Rail Conference 2025 on Tuesday, Creecy called for a decisive shift from planning to
AD Ports Group Strengthens Angola’s Transport and Logistics Sector with New Strategic Agreements
AD Ports Group and Angola Partner to Launch Digital Logistics Platform and Expand Truck Fleet The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola has taken a major step toward modernizing the nation’s logistics sector through a series of strategic agreements signed with AD Ports Group. These agreements include the development of a Single Digital Logistics Window and the expansion of Angola’s national truck fleet, both critical initiatives to enhance
RwandAir Strengthens Fleet with New Boeing 737s, Plans Airbus A330 for Long-Haul Expansion
RwandAir Expands Fleet with Boeing 737s and Upcoming Airbus A330 to Boost African and Global Connectivity RwandAir has bolstered its operations this month with the addition of two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, one of which has already entered service. A third aircraft is expected to join the fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025, as the Kigali-based carrier works to improve reliability and reduce flight delays. The airline has also